RAFM Battle of Britain Hall Update

Thought this would be of interest

02 May 2009
Renovation of Iconic Exhibition Hall Announced.

As part of an ongoing programme of continuous investment in its Estate the Royal Air Force Museum London is proud to announce a major refurbishment of its Battle of Britain Hall from Monday 16th March. Works will include a new energy efficient lighting system donated to the Museum by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, and a complete re-cladding of the building funded by the Ministry of Defence.

Mike Gell, Building and Services Manager for the Museum, said of the work:

“I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to undertake these works. Not only will they enhance the appearance and prolong the life of a building that houses so many historic aircraft from this period of our history but they will also improve the visitor experience by utilising the latest developments in LED lighting to bring the very successful “Our Finest Hour” exhibition and cinematic experience to life.”

This new form of energy saving lighting can change colour and light intensity whilst still being cheaper to run and as it is kinder to the exhibits because it doesn’t give out any UV light we will be able to increase the light intensity between each show.”

Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, said: “We are delighted to have been able to fund this lighting upgrade. The Charitable Trust aims to support the work of RAF charities and the Museum is a great tool to promote the Service and its exciting history to a wide range of people, young and old.”

During the course of this work the Battle of Britain Hall will be open to the public although sections will be closed off in areas where work is taking place.

Between 16th March and 15th May the Battle of Britain Maze and Our Finest Hour, the Hall’s sound and light show, will be closed to the public whilst the Sunderland Hall will remain open. The Sunderland Hall will then close from 18th May to 12th June and the Battle of Britain Maze and Our Finest Hour will reopen.

From 1st June until 1st July the Hall will be closed in its entirety, whilst a new glass wall is fitted to the East end of the Hall.

Whilst this work takes place the Museum will open the Grahame White Factory from 10am to 6pm each day.

Work on the Battle of Britain Hall is scheduled for completion by 24th July.

The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission and Parking is FREE for further details please call 020 8205 2266

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/news/article.cfm?news_id=134